Tour Details

Tour Description

Experience an amazing range of Australian tropical wildlife species in their natural habitats by day and discover nocturnal creatures by night. Visit scenic areas south of Cairns brimming with wildlife like Crater Lakes and enjoy an afternoon tea at beautiful Lake Barrine. Explore rainforests and spot tropical birds, insects and frogs, and find platypus at dusk before moving through nighttime forests.

• See Australian tropical wildlife species by day and at night
• Gaze at the amazing scenery of the Atherton Tablelands
• See and photograph rare species like Boyd's Forest Dragon and Musky Rat Kangaroos
• Enjoy afternoon tea in the volcanic surrounds of Lake Barrine and dinner at a top quality venue
• Spot platypus at dusk, then switch on your torch for a nocturnal adventure to spot wildlife in a pristine National Park

Australia’s unique species of wildlife are world famous for their quirky appearances – and now you have a chance to get up close and personal on this day/night tour of the rainforest and wildlife of the Cairns and Atherton Tablelands.

This tour is a photographer's dream come true, but you don’t have to have see it through a lens to enjoy it – seeing is believing, so your eyes are more than enough!

Starting in the tropical city of Cairns, you’ll meet your expert guide and see agile wallabies, native to the city, before setting off on a scenic drive on the Gillies Highway, a winding road that travels 800 metres above sea level with spectacular views of the Atherton Tablelands.

The first stop is at the Danbulla State Forest, where you’ll see an 800-year-old Cathedral Fig Tree with a truly enormous root system.

Then it’s time for afternoon tea at Lake Barrine, a volcanic crater that offers spectacular vistas. You’ll then go on a walk through ancient rainforests to spot animal species like Boyd's Forest Dragon and Musky Rat Kangaroo and plants like Twin Bull Kauri Pines. You may even get to sample some rainforest fruits!

You’ll then drive down to Lake Eacham to search for Saw Shelled Turtles, Eastern Water Dragons and Archerfish. Around dusk, you’ll be taken to an exclusive private viewing area to spot a breeding pair of platypus, an amazing creature that can be very shy.

When it’s time for dinner, you’ll be taken to either Nick’s restaurant in the town of Yungaburra or a nearby venue such as the Lake Eacham Hotel – either venue serves top quality food.

Then it’s time to see Australia’s nocturnal splendour. At least 80% of Australia’s wildlife is active at night, and with a torch in your hand and an expert guide on hand, you’ll have the chance to spot species like rare possums, flying foxes, bandicoots, Lumholtz's tree kangaroos, sooty owls and many more.

The goal of this tour is to observe the animals and appreciate their beauty. Feeding is not allowed, as this could harm their welfare – but the memories you will take away from this unique experience will feed your imagination for years to come.

With the stars of the Milky Way shining bright above, you’ll return to Cairns around 10:30pm for your own nocturnal rest.